Frankie Ruiz, “Father of Salsa,” Dead at 40 After Battle with Addiction

Frankie Ruiz, the Puerto Rican salsa singer known for albums like Solista Pero No Solo and Voy Pa’ Encima, died on August 9, 1998, in a New Jersey hospital at age 40. He struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, ultimately succumbing to liver failure.

Nicknamed “El Papá de la Salsa,” Ruiz helped define the salsa romántica genre in the 1980s with his emotionally charged vocals. Despite his success, his personal life was marred by substance abuse and health issues.

Ruiz was married to Judith “Mi China” Ruiz, together they had one son, Frankie Ruiz Jr., who lost his father as a child. Ruiz Jr. grew up inspired by the public display of his father’s impact and later embraced a career in salsa performance. Though he worked to develop his own style, he is often known as “El Hijo de la Salsa.”

His passing marked another tragic chapter in salsa history, alongside the early deaths of Héctor Lavoe and Felipe Pirela. Ruiz left behind his wife, Judith, his brothers Viti and Nelson, and his son, Frankie Ruiz Jr.

He is buried at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery & Mausoleum, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, United States.